Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Modern Heart Zip Bag

I thought my little orphan block would be 
helped by framing.There were some darker strips 
that I’d decided were a bit too dark, but that 
was after I’d sewn it together.  I think the deep 
purple helped the colors pop, and the low 
volume background recede.  

To give it a little edgier look, I offset the border. 
This gave me both a solid color, and larger space 
to add some SLQ as an accent, and I had fun. 
It’s just a little pattern of crossing lines that 
ensures the sandwich is secure.

The backing was a diagonal print to start with,
and I marked every 1/2" with a chalk pencil.
I chose not to quilt every line, though, and 
picked a few here and there to keep it random. 
I used Aurifil #2309, my go-to 
off-white quilting thread in 50 wt.


I used a little contrasting fabric on each end of my 
zipper to get a good fit. I always use nylon zippers 
with bags! Metal zippers look very cool and hip, 
but those teeth can destroy your manicure in 
a heartbeat when you’re trying to get in and 
out of a bag--not that I have a mani, you know.

I chose to sew down the zipper on the inside
instead of finishing all the edges. Just the 
tiniest bit showed out from underneath.


The backing is a diagonal print from the ‘Elementary’ 
line from ‘Moda’. I like how it helps the bag 
from looking ‘too cute’.

I sewed front and back pieces wrong sides together 
in a scant ¼" seam. Then I added a Anna Marie 
Horner floral binding. It created contrast on the 
back, and picked up the heart fabrics in the front.



Tah-dah!
I wonder what I should do with it now?



I'm thankful for the rains this spring,
and our beautiful show of blooms.
The azaleas are in full bloom now,
and I'm awaiting my pink poppies.

Come on, Doxie girls.
Let's go outside and enjoy the sunshine
until the mosquitoes eat us up!





14 comments:

The Colorful Fabriholic said...

Very cute bag - I love that print you used on the back!

Sandra Walker said...

Mosquitoes? Already? No... I just love your bag, and I love that you offset it (totally did not notice until you said). As for uses, I have used mine for so many things, whether it's makeup or nail polish, or knitting, or as a catch-all for some hand-sewing supplies...a girl can never have too many bags!!

Lara B. said...

Your orphan block made a really cute bag Julie!

Lisa J. said...

It's a great bag. I love the offset piecing and quilting and the backing because really you wouldn't want it to get too cute!

Deb Chimes said...

Great way to use up an orphan block! Love the deep purple and backing fabric.

legato1958 said...

What a fun and gorgeous way to feature your orphan block! I love all of the fabrics you chose , too.
It is so fun to see you make the zippered pouch with binding! Super cute project!!
Susie

Linda Swanekamp said...

Great bag! I never run out of things to put in bags- hard to keep up making them!

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I am also thankful for rain. I live in central CA and we are in the middle of a very bad drought. We have had rain for the past 3 weekends, though, and it looks like we might get a bit of rain today, too. :)

VeggieMummy said...

Love the new bag - I really must learn how to insert a zip; I'm a bit of a sewing dunce! Bit too much rain here in England at the moment but at least it's good for the garden! Have a lovely weekend. xx

VeggieMummy said...

Love the new bag - I really must learn how to insert a zip; I'm a bit of a sewing dunce! Bit too much rain here in England at the moment but at least it's good for the garden! Have a lovely weekend. xx

Mary Huey said...

Love this heart block, glad to see it's not going to malinger in a UFO pile!

Ann said...

I half expected to see some flowering snowball blocks here this week! ;)
Nice bag - love those tiny pieces on the heart block...

Stacey @slostudio said...

What a cute bag! I love that log cabin heart block, so awesome. Thanks for linking up with TGIFF!

Jennie in GA said...

It,s so cute, no doubt you'll find an equally cute use for it.